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Domestic abuse is a serious problem we don’t
talk about often enough. Abuse can take various forms. It can be physical,
emotional, or financial. The common thread through each of them, is how the
abuser uses their power to hold the abused hostage, in their own homes. While
survivors span through all gender identities, females suffer from intimate
partner violence at higher rates than males-- an estimate 85 percent of
domestic abuse survivors are women.

●A transgender person of color is
2.6 times more likely to experience intimate partner violence than a non-LGBT
person.

●A woman is 70 times more likely to
be murdered by her abusive partner in the weeks after leaving.

●Those living with disabilities are more likely to experience violence and abuse
than people without disabilities.

Domestic
Abuse and Women with Disabilities: Early Warning Signs

In addition to the typical “red flags” of
abuse, women who live with a disability may experience other warning signs that
relate to their issue. On top of other means of financial abuse, the abuser may
steal or withhold a Social Security Disability check. They can also use
psychological manipulation or gaslighting to invalidate the disability and its
symptoms. They may not let the victim take their medication, use their mobility
device or attend a doctor’s appointment. Any use of the disability as an excuse
to shame or humiliate the victim, is another form of abuse, as well. If the
victim has a service animal, the abuser can threaten to harm or even actually harm
the animal.

If you are able to leave an abusive situation
and secure a new place to live, security is paramount. Today’s home security
systems are far more advanced, and homeowners can now choose from a wide range
of security options, such as around-the-clock monitoring and video
surveillance. Many of the newest security measures are also pretty
budget-friendly. Consider the following to reclaim your sense of safety in your
home.

●Nowadays, there are security camera
systems available at less than $100. Recruit a friend, family
member, or simply a person in your community that you can trust to help install the system. Even the most affordable
models, come with mobile apps so you can have eyes on security breaches even
from the comfort of your own bed.

●Portable alarms can easily be set up and are equipped
with wireless panic buttons that you can wear around home. When the panic
button is pressed, the system instantly triggers an audio message that plays
over local law enforcement two-way radios, announcing the location and the
incident. The process is much quicker than making a call with your phone, providing
the quickest possible notification to law enforcement of a potential issue.
Another advantage is that it is portable so can be taken with you, if you move or
used in a hotel etc. Some alarm companies offer programs and federal and local
grants, may be available to supplement the cost for victims of domestic violence.

●Put code-controlled mechanical
locks on your doors that lock the door behind you so you don’t have to worry
about checking it. Be sure to pick a sequence of numbers that has no personal
or emotional significance that your ex-partner could guess. You can also assign different codes to others such as an home health aide; you can delete the code, at any
time, so that you don’t need to change your locks if they no longer work for you.

●Install window stops that prevent
them from opening more than 4 inches. This way nobody can get through an
alternate entrance.

●Place motion-detecting lights
outside, in both your back and front yard. Make sure the bulbs are bright enough that
you will notice from inside, if a disturbance triggers them.

●Consider adopting a dog. When it
comes to home protection, there are two types to consider: guard dogs and
watchdogs. Guard dog breeds protect their owner and guard against unwanted
people or animals. Watchdog breeds are smaller and less protective, but they
still alert their owner in case of an intruder.

***

Domestic abuse affects millions of people and
those who do not get help, often die at the hands of their partner. If you live
with a disability, an abuser may use it as a way to access power and control.
Anybody experiencing abuse of any kind, should contact help as soon as possible,
by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

About the Author:

Nora Hood considers domestic violence to be a form of
domestic terrorism and aims to raise awareness about the issue through her
efforts including ThreeDaily.org